TOP CAREERS IN POLITICS
Politics is the most talked about and discussed topic in our nation. Rightly so, as it is connected to the aspirations of its masses. The top most tier in politics is occupied by elected leaders then the organizational leadership . To cater to both of these we have require a set of functional leaders who are highly educated and experienced with interest in politics and governance. The political domain offers a wide spectrum of careers in its different verticals based on the scope and expertise required to complete the job. Presenting a few for your understanding –
Research Assistants: Research and Analysis have a significant role in politics. Without thorough study, it is difficult to identify the current root of the issues that the population is experiencing. To provide a fix, State, Central and Union ministries frequently hire research assistants, who are tasked with looking into those issues and find ways to develop workable solutions moving forward. They also dwell into political issues, social issues, economic issues etc. employing skills and modes of in-depth research. This can be as research assistants for political parties and even in politicians’ offices where they conduct demographic study.
Political Analysts: Political analysts closely examine and do research on the origins, evolution, and operation of the political systems of various parties across different states / regions / nationally. They do extensive studies and analysis on various governments, political ideologies, laws, trends, and international relations. This also includes comprehensive research of social, political, and economic concerns as part of their main work process to aid policy makers.
Political Strategist: The two major tasks or duties of a political strategist are – work for the election victory and enhance the reputation of the concerned politician or political party. Political strategists as the name suggests are key to planning and implementing core strategies which their leader or political party can adopt to secure a victory or improve their reputation.
Election/ Campaign Managers: An election manager is a combination of a Research Assistant, a Political Analyst as well as a Political Strategist. This is the role, which is concerned with only the campaigning strategy and the election mandate. Unlike the other career prospects discussed above, this one is on ground and in the thick of it all. Whereas the others can be construed as a more academic pursuit within politics, An election / campaign manager is concerned only with the most pragmatic of political operations. Election Managers decide on the actual strategy that is implemented by a party or a politician on ground to win a mandate. Their job starts two years before an actual election, and it ceases only after the final ballots have been counted and a mandate has been delivered.
Constituency Manager: Akin to ‘Back Office’ Executives, Constituency Managers are the true connect between a leader and the people. They are a nodal communication point and serve as a front for the leader to the public while serving as the voice of the people to the leader. They have their ears to the ground and convey the desires and needs of a people to the politicians and parties alike. Without a string network of constituency managers, a leader or political party cannot hope to maintain a mandate.
Parliamentary/Legislative Affairs Assistants: These people function almost similarly to constituency managers. Specifically, their function is to take notes and give inputs in the day to day running of the parliament and legislative assemblies. They are relied on to provide the minutes of a meeting within assemblies along with the key issues of discussion along with the various analyses on them. Instead of constituencies, they serve as a liaison between the leader and party to the entire assembly.
Social Media Analyst/ Manager: The impact of social media on politics cannot be overstated. It has played a significant role in shaping modern political discourse and movements, both good and bad. Social media is a clear way for people to communicate with politicians/political parties. Moreover, it serves as an excellent platform to air social grievances. Social Media can also be utilized to understand the likes/ dislikes of a people. Social Media Analysts/Managers are tasked with understanding and analyzing data generated online and developing strategies to ensure that the views of politicians and political parties are actively disseminated and understood by the public.
Public Relations Officer: A public relations officer or PRO is a very specific role akin to that of a spokesperson for either a politician, a political party or even a government agency. The PRO is called upon to diffuse potentially damaging situations where some negative feedback about an incident is received or a policy implementation has gone awry or even if the governing body must issue some rule which is going to cause disgruntlement amongst the masses. They are akin to shock absorbers in that regard. In normal situations they are expected to promote and enhance the image / brand value of their leader / political party / government in a positive way so as to create hype for upcoming elections / political campaigns etc.